If you absolutely, positively need a new Windows Vista laptop but only have $500 to spend, the cheap but serviceable Everex StepNote VA4101M is the only game in town. Sluggish performance and exceedingly short battery life, however, prevent it from ably serving as a primary, day-to-day system.

The Everex StepNote NC1500 comes in under $500--thanks to an off-brand CPU--but its poor performance and meager battery life means you should invest a little more in a traditional Intel or AMD budget laptop.